One of the standout moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics occurred when skier Lindsey Vonn, at age 41, competed despite a recent knee injury from a crash. Despite her determined efforts, Vonn suffered another setback with a severe injury just 13 seconds into her downhill final run.

Five months have passed, yet Vonn continues to face challenges from her injuries. Speaking with People magazine at the ESPYs in New York City, she shared, “It’s been a very slow process. It’s been five months since I’ve been able to actually go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way. Walking is still really hard for me. My ankle is still broken.”

Her choice to race is one of the most courageous acts of the Games, marking not just athletic skill but immense personal resolve. Prior to the Olympics, Vonn dealt with a fully ruptured ACL, a significant injury that compounded her journey.

Reflecting on her recovery, Vonn recollected, “I was in a wheelchair for so long, I was on crutches for so long. It was honestly almost three and a half months that I was unable to walk unassisted. I got very emotional when I was able to walk on my own.”

This week, Lindsey Vonn updated her followers on her recovery, stating her journey is far from over, indicating “a very long road ahead.”